On Jimmy Vesey …
Tom Gulitti of NHL.com: Jimmy Vesey told the Boston Herald last week that he was “finalizing a list of no more than a half-dozen teams” that he was going to talk to.
“I think we have a small number of teams that I think we’ll really be focusing on,” Vesey told NHL.com on July 7. “So, Aug. 15 we’ll start talking to them and see what they say.”
Every team can offer the same entry-level contract, so where the left winger would fit into their organization will get the most consideration.
The six main contenders likely are the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Vesey will finally be a UFA and will be able to speak with teams. The Bruins are on his short list of teams. The Blackhawks and Devils could use the left winger. The Islanders could be another team interested in Vesey. The Maple Leafs and Rangers are also interested.
Vesey agent Peter Fish.
“Buffalo certainly explained their situation and how it would benefit Jimmy,” Fish said. “They obviously had a lot of attractive personnel and players Jimmy could play with. But again, Jimmy, in his mind, wanted to go to free agency and compare all the teams at the same time. That way, it’s not like there’s one team, then wait a while. It’s, ‘Here we all are, let’s get it all out, then see what’s the best fit.’ ”
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Philadelphia Flyers GM Ron Hextall may be hoping he’s able sign Vesey, but he’s facing difficult odds.
Steve Zipay of Newsday: It’s been a relatively quiet offseason for the New York Rangers, but GM Jeff Gorton is hoping he can sign Vesey.
The Rangers do have a shot as they can guarantee a role on a competitive team, his agent is friends with Gorton, and he’s friends with Kevin Hayes.
TVA Sports: (through google translate) Several sources, including ESPN, believe that the Montreal Canadiens might interest Vesey.
Jimmy Murphy: NHL Source said that Vesey has zeroed in on the Blackhawks and Devils, though that can change.